High-flow luer lock connector for a luer lock connection

ABSTRACT

A high-flow luer lock connector system is disclosed. A high-flow luer lock connector system comprises a male luer lock connector and a female luer lock connected configured to mate with the male luer lock connector. The male luer lock connector and the female luer lock connector each include a tapered extended passageway that is configured to allow a substance to flow through the respective luer lock connector.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/418,838 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,740,288), filed May 5, 2006,which claims the benefit of the filing date under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) ofProvisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/679,452, filed May 9,2005, the entirety of each of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to medical devices. More specifically,this invention relates to luer lock connectors for use in insufflationsystems.

BACKGROUND

Surgeons have used laparoscopic surgery to perform a variety ofprocedures. By manipulating laparoscopes and video telescopes, surgeonsgain a visualization of the abdominal cavity while minimizing tissue andmuscle injury that normally accompanies conventional invasiveprocedures.

To create a sufficient area for the introduction of a laparoscope andother instruments, the abdominal wall is first raised from the organsenclosed in the abdominal cavity. Separation is conventionally attainedby pressurizing the abdominal cavity with an insufflation gas. Thepresence of artificial gas in the peritoneal cavity to achieve exposureduring laparoscopy is referred to as pneumoperitoneum.

When maintaining pneumoperitoneum, it is desirable on occasion to infusethe insufflation gas into the cavity at a rate typically above 20 litersper minute. However, achieving this rate is often difficult. One of theprimary limitations in providing higher insufflation gas flow rates arethe constraints placed upon the insufflation equipment by commonindustry practice, efficacy requirements, and guidance documents issuedby the United States Food and Drug Administration concerning issues suchas push pressures, pressure duration, overshoot, and pressure relief.Insufflators normally are limited to a push pressure of about 45 to 55millimeters of mercury. This limitation makes it difficult to infuseinsufflation gas at the desired higher flow rates. Furthermore, theequipment associated with laparoscopic procedures such as luers, oftenrestrict the infusion rate of insufflation gas.

Standardized luer lock connectors form secure, leak-free connections forthe transfer of fluids or gasses between two devices or objects such asveress needles, trocars, syringes, or gas/fluid delivery systems.Although there are many luer lock connector sizes available, luer lockconnections typically operate in the same way, and conform toInternational Organization of Standard (“ISO”) standards 594-1 or 594-2.

A luer lock connection typically includes two luer lock connectors,known as a male luer lock connector and a female luer lock connector. Asshown in FIG. 1, a first luer lock connector 102 (also known as a maleluer lock connector) dimensioned to conform to ISO standards 594-1 and594-2 comprises a connector body 104 defining an interior region 106bounded by a cylindrical side wall 108 and a base wall 110, and anextended central lumen 112 extending at least 7.5 mm (0.2953 of an inch)into the interior region 106. The connector body 104 further defines achannel 114 passing through the extended central lumen 112 and theconnector body 102 at the base wall 110. The channel 114 allows asubstance to flow into the channel 114 at the extended central lumen 112and pass through the connector body 102 via the channel 114 in oneembodiment, or pass through the connector body 102 via the channel 114and out of the central lumen 112 in another embodiment.

As seen in FIG. 2, to establish a luer lock connection 101, a secondluer lock connector 118 (also known as a female luer lock connector) isinserted into the interior region 106 of the first luer lock connector102, causing a plurality of threads 116 on the cylindrical side wall 108of the first luer lock connector 102 to engage lugs or a plurality ofthreads 120 on an exterior of the second luer lock connector 118. Theengagement between the plurality of threads 116, 120 of the first andsecond luer lock connectors 102, 188, draws the second luer lockconnector 120 into the interior region 106 of the first luer lockconnector 102 and draws the extended central lumen 112 into an open end122 of the second luer lock connector 120 until the tapers of the firstand second luer connectors 102, 120 are secured together.

Securing the first and second luer lock connectors 102, 120 togetherprovides a basic leak-free connection for a substance such asinsufflation gas to flow through the luer lock connector. However, theleak-free connection comes at the cost of a reduction in the flow speedof the substance flowing through the luer lock connector and a buildupof pressure before the luer lock connection due to the taper of the maleand female components. Therefore, it would be desirable to have a luerlock connection that provides a basic leak-free connection with lessreduction in flow speed or a buildup of pressure.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a high-flow luer lockconnector for use within an insufflation system. In a first aspect, ahigh-flow luer lock connector comprises a connector body defining aninterior region, a lumen, and an extended passageway. The interiorregion is bounded by a cylindrical side wall and a base wall. The lumenis defined at the base wall of the interior region and extends no morethan 0.274 of an inch into the interior region. The extended passagewaycomprises a first and second end and passes through the connector bodyand the lumen. The extended passageway is in communication with theinterior region to allow insufflation gas to flow through the interiorregion and extended passageway.

In a second aspect, a high-flow luer lock connector comprises aconnector body defining an interior region and an extended passageway.The interior region is bounded by a cylindrical side wall and a basewall. The extended passageway comprises a first end and a second end andpasses through the connector body at the base wall such that the firstend of the extended passageway is flush with the base wall. The extendedpassageway way is in communication with the interior region to allowinsufflation gas to flow through the interior region and extendedpassageway. Additionally, an o-ring is positioned in the interior regionon the base wall surrounding at least the first end of the extendedpassageway.

In a third aspect, a luer lock connector comprises a connector bodydefining an interior region, a lumen rim, and an extended passageway.The interior region is bounded by a cylindrical side wall and a basewall. The lumen rim is defined at the base wall and extends no more than0.125 of an inch into the interior region. The extended passagewaycomprises a first end and a second end and passes through the connectorbody and lumen rim such that the first end is flush with the lumen rim.The extended passageway is in communication with the interior region toallow insufflation gas to flow through the interior region and extendedpassageway.

In a fourth aspect, a luer lock connector comprises a connector bodycomprising elastomeric material defining an interior region and anextended passageway. The interior region is bounded by a conic side walland a base wall. The extended passageway comprises a first end and asecond end and passes through the connector body at the base wall suchthat the first end of the extended passageway is flush with the basewall. The extended passageway is in communication with the interiorregion to allow insufflation gas to flow through the interior region andextended passageway.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a cross-section of a prior art male luer lockconnector;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a cross-section of a luer lock connection;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a typical insufflation system;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a cross-section of a first embodiment of ahigh-flow luer lock connector;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the high-flow luer lock connector ofFIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the high-flow luer lock connector of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the high-flow luer lock connector of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the high-flow luer lock connector of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a cross-section of a luer lock connectionutilizing the luer lock connector of FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a cross-section of a second embodiment of ahigh-flow luer lock connector;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the high-flow luer lock connector ofFIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the high-flow luer lock connector of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a front view of the high-flow luer lock connector of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the high-flow luer lock connector of FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 is a side view of a cross-section of a luer lock connectionutilizing the luer lock connector of FIG. 10;

FIG. 16 is a side view of a cross-section of a third embodiment of ahigh-flow luer lock connector;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the high-flow luer lock connector ofFIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a side view of the high-flow luer lock connector of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a front view of the high-flow luer lock connector of FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is a rear view of the high-flow luer lock connector of FIG. 16;

FIG. 21 is a side view of a cross-section of a luer lock connectionutilizing the luer lock connector of FIG. 16;

FIG. 22 is a side view of a cross-section of a fourth embodiment of ahigh-flow luer lock connector;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the high-flow luer lock connector ofFIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a side view of the high-flow luer lock connector of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a front view of the high-flow luer lock connector of FIG. 22;

FIG. 26 is a rear view of the high-flow luer lock connector of FIG. 22;and

FIG. 27 is a side view of a cross-section of a luer lock connectionutilizing the luer lock connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 3 shows a typical insufflation system 300 comprising an insufflator302, a tubing set 304, a luer connection 306, and a veress needle ortrocar 308. Generally, insufflation gas is passed from the insufflator302 to the veress needle or trocar 308 via the tubing set 304 and luerconnection 306. Additionally, insufflation gas may be vented from thepatient from the veress needle or trocar 308 to the insufflator 302 viathe tubing set 304 and luer connection 306.

The insufflator 302 may be any type of insufflator such as theOMNIFLATOR Model 6620 available from Northgate Technologies, Inc. inElgin, Ill. or a mixed-gas insufflator as disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/829,485, filed Apr. 22, 2004, the entirety ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference. The insufflator 302 istypically in communication with a pressurized source of insufflation gassuch as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, argon, or helium. Duringoperation, the insufflator 302 typically reduces the pressure of theinsufflation gas and delivers the insufflation gas to the tubing set304, which serves as a delivery path for the insufflation gas.

The tubing set 304 may be any type of tubing set for use with aninsufflation system such as a dual-capacity insufflation tube disclosedin U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/696,675, filed Oct. 28, 2003, now abandoned,the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. Additionally,the veress needle or trocar 308 may be any type of veress needle ortrocar for use with an insufflation system such as an EthiconEndo-Surgery's XCEL trocar or a laparoscopic insertion device disclosedin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/841,125, filed Dec. 5, 2002, nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,905,489, the entirety of which is incorporated herein byreference.

Traditional luer lock connectors are comprised of male and female luerlock connectors such as a Qosina Model 71629 male luer. As describedabove, a traditional male luer lock connector in a luer lock connection306 comprises an extended lumen that reduces the cross-sectional areathrough which a substance such as insufflation gas flows due to thetapering and wall thickness of the extended lumen. The reduction incross-sectional area causes a decrease in flow rate through the luerlock connection and the buildup of pressure before the luer lockconnector. In order to sustain flow rate and prevent the buildup ofpressure, the high-flow luer lock connectors disclosed herein remove, orsubstantially reduce, the extended lumen in the design of a male luerlock connector. Additionally, the high-flow luer lock connectorsdisclosed herein decrease the wall thickness of the lumen to sustain agreater cross-section area for a substance to flow through. Typically,the high-flow luer lock connectors described herein can sustain a flowrate of greater than 26 liters per minute.

FIGS. 4-8 show a first embodiment of a high-flow luer lock connector402. The high-flow luer lock connector 402 comprises a connector body404 that defines an interior region 406 bounded by a cylindrical sidewall 408 and a base wall 410. At the base wall 410, the connector body404 further defines a lumen 412 that extends into the interior region406.

Typically, the lumen 412 extends no more than 0.274 of an inch into theinterior region 406 in contrast to standard male luers which comprise alumen extending approximately 0.2953 of an inch into the interior regionof the luer. Further, the lumen 412 typically has a wall thickness of0.008 of an inch in contrast to standard male luers which comprise alumen having a wall thickness of approximately 0.016 of an inch. Howeverlike standard male luers, the lumen 412 of the high-flow luer connector402 tapers approximately 6 degrees to conform to ISO standards 594-1 and594-2.

The connector body 404 additionally defines a rigid or semi-rigidextended passageway 414 comprising a first end 416 and a second end 420.The extended passageway 414 passes through the lumen 412 and theconnector body 404 such that the first end 416 of the extendedpassageway 414 is positioned at the end of the lumen 412. Typically, thefirst end 416 has an inner diameter of approximately 0.131.Additionally, the second end 420 typically has an inner diameter ofapproximately 0.259 of an inch and may comprise a taper, chamfer, or anyother type of shape to reduce resistance created by a substance flowinginto or out of the second end 420.

Typically, the extended passageway 412 is operative to allow a substanceto flow in either of two directions. In a first direction, a substanceflows into the extended passageway 414 at the first end 416, flowsthrough the lumen 412 and connector body 404 via the extended passageway414, and flows out of the extended passageway 414 at the second end 420.In a second direction, a substance flows into the extended passageway414 at the second end 420, flows through the connector body 404 andlumen 412 via the extended passageway 414, and flows out of the extendedpassageway 414 at the first end 416. These directions will generallycorrespond to introducing insufflation gas into an abdominal cavity of apatient or venting insufflation gas from the abdominal cavity of thepatient.

The connector body 404 additionally defines a plurality of threads 422on the cylindrical wall 408 operative to receive lugs or a plurality ofthreads defined on a corresponding female luer connector and place thecorresponding female luer connector in position within the high-flowconnector 402.

As shown in FIG. 9, to establish a luer lock connection 423 a femaleluer lock connector 424 dimensioned according to ISO standards 594-1 or594-2 is inserted into the interior region 406 of the high-flow luerlock connector 402 of FIGS. 4-8 causing the lugs or plurality of threads426 on an exterior of the female luer lock connector 424 to engage theplurality of threads 422 of the high-flow luer lock connector 402.

Typically, the female luer lock connector 424 comprises a tapered openend 428 through which a substance may flow into or out of the femaleluer lock connector 424. The engagement of the plurality of threads 422,426 draws the female luer lock connector 424 into the interior region406 of the high-flow luer lock connector 402 and draws the lumen 412into the open end 428 of the female luer lock connector 424 until thetapers of the lumen 412 and the open end 428 of the female luer lockconnector 424 engage. When the tapers of the lumen 412 and the open end428 of the female luer lock connector 424 engage, the lumen 412 sealsagainst an interior of the female luer connector 424, thereby placingthe open end 428 of the female luer lock connector 424 in communicationwith the extended passageway 414.

Due to the shortened lumen 412 as compared to standard male luers, thelumen 412 of the high-flow luer lock connector 402 may engage and sealagainst the interior of the female luer connector 424 more quickly thanstandard male luers. Thus, the lumen may sustain a wider cross-sectionalarea through which the substance flows through the luer lock connection423, thereby preventing a substantial reduction in flow speed and abuild up pressure.

FIGS. 10-14 show a second embodiment of a high-flow luer lock connector1002. The high-flow luer lock connector 1002 comprises a connector body1004 that defines an interior region 1006 bounded by a cylindrical sidewall 1008 and a base wall 1010. The connector body 404 may be comprisedof metal, rubber, or plastics such as Cyrolite plastic, manufactured byCyro Industries.

The connector body 1004 further defines a rigid or semi-rigid extendedpassageway 1012 fixed relative to the connector body 1004 such that theportion of the connector body 1004 defining the extended passageway 1012does not rotate independent of the remaining connector body 1004. Anexterior of the connector body defining the extended passageway 1013 maybe smooth, barbed, tapered, threaded, or have any other surfacetopography to assist the extended passageway 1012 in securing a conduitto it. The extended passageway 1012 comprises a first end 1014 and asecond end 1018. The first end 1014 is flush with the base wall 1010such that the extended passageway 1012 does not extend into the interiorregion 1006. Additionally, the second end 1018 may comprise a taper,chamfer, or any other type of shape to reduce resistance created by asubstance flowing into or out of the second end 1018.

Typically, the extended passageway 1012 is operative to allow asubstance to flow in either of two directions. In a first direction, asubstance flows into the first end 1014 of the extended passageway 1012,passes through the connector body 1004 via the extended passageway 1012and out of the extended passageway 1012 at the second end 1018. In asecond direction, a substance flows into the second end 1018 of theextended passageway 1012, passes through the connector body 1004 via theextended passageway 1012 and out of the extended passageway 1012 at thefirst end 1014. These directions will generally correspond tointroducing insufflation gas into an abdominal cavity of a patient orventing insufflation gas from the abdominal cavity of the patient.

An o-ring or compliant washer 1020 is positioned in the interior region1006 at the base wall 1010 that surrounds at least the first end 1014 ofthe extended passageway 1012. Typically, the o-ring or washer 1020 willextend at least 0.0156 of an inch into the interior region 406, but nomore than 0.09375 of an inch. The o-ring or washer 1020 may compriserubber, silicone, PVC, or any other material operative to provide a sealto the surface of the mating female luer connector to prevent fluids orgasses from leaking around the o-ring 1020 or passing through the o-ring1020 itself.

The connector body 1004 additionally defines a plurality of threads 1022on the cylindrical wall 1010 operative to receive lugs or a plurality ofthreads defined on a corresponding female luer connector and place thecorresponding female luer connector in position within the high-flowconnector 1002.

As shown in FIG. 15, to establish a luer lock connection 1023 a femaleluer lock connector 1024 dimensioned according to ISO standards 594-1 or594-2 is inserted into the interior region 1006 of the high-flow luerlock connector 1002 of FIGS. 10-14 causing the lugs or plurality ofthreads 1026 on an exterior of the female luer lock connector 1024 toengage the plurality of threads 1022 of the high-flow luer lockconnector 1002. The engagement of the plurality of threads 1022, 1026draws the female luer lock connector 1024 into the interior region 1006of the high-flow luer lock connector 1002 until the exterior of thefemale luer lock connector 1024 engages and seals to the o-ring orwasher 1020.

Typically, the female luer lock connector 1024 comprises an open end1028 through which a substance such as insufflation gas may flow into orout of the female luer lock connector 1024. When the female luer lockconnector 1024 engages the o-ring 1020, the o-ring 1020 seals againstthe open end 1028 of the female luer lock connector 1024 by surroundingand/or abutting the open end 1028, thereby creating a substantiallyairtight seal between the open end 1028 of the female luer connector1024 and the first end 1014 of the extended passageway 1012 and placingthe open end 1028 of the female luer connector 1024 in communicationwith the extended passageway 1012.

Typically, the diameter of the open end 1028 of the female luer lockconnector 1024 and the diameter of the first end 1014 of the extendedpassageway 1012 are substantially equal. Due to the consistency incross-section between the open end 1028 of the female luer lockconnector 1024 and the first end 1014 of the extended passageway 1012,the substantially airtight seal and communication between the open end1028 of the female luer connection 1024 and the extended passageway 412of the high-flow luer connector 1002 may be accomplished withoutreducing the cross-sectional area through which the substance flowsthrough the luer lock connection 1023, thereby preventing a substantialreduction in flow speed and a build up of pressure.

FIGS. 16-20 show a third embodiment of a high-flow luer lock connector1602. The high-flow luer lock connector 1602 comprises a connector body1604 that defines an interior region 1606 bounded by a cylindrical sidewall 1608 and a base wall 1610. At the base wall 1610, the connectorbody 1604 further defines a lumen rim 1612 that extends into theinterior region 1606. Typically, the lumen rim extends no more than0.125 of an inch into the interior region 1606. It should be noted thatin contrast to the second embodiment of the high-flow luer lockconnector 1002 of FIGS. 10-14, the third embodiment of the high-flowluer lock connector 1602 typically does not comprise an o-ring or washerpositioned at the base wall 1610.

The connector body 1604 additionally defines a rigid or semi-rigidextended passageway 1614 comprising a first end 1616 and a second end1620. The extended passageway 1614 passes through the lumen rim 1612 andthe connector body 1604 such that the first end 1616 of the extendedpassageway 1614 is positioned at the end of the lumen rim 1612.Additionally, the second end 1620 may comprise a taper, chamfer, or anyother type of shape to reduce resistance created by a substance flowinginto or out of the second end 1620

Typically, the extended passageway 1612 is operative to allow asubstance to flow in either of two directions. In a first direction, asubstance flows into the extended passageway 1614 at the first end 1616,flows through the lumen rim 1612 and connector body 1604 via theextended passageway 1614, and flows out of the extended passageway 1614at the second end 1620. In a second direction, a substance flows intothe extended passageway 1614 at the second end 1620, flows through theconnector body 1604 and lumen rim 1612 via the extended passageway 1614,and flows out of the extended passageway 1614 at the first end 1616.These directions will generally correspond to introducing insufflationgas into an abdominal cavity of a patient or venting insufflation gasfrom the abdominal cavity of the patient.

The connector body 1604 additionally defines a plurality of threads 1622on the cylindrical side wall 1608 operative to receive lugs or aplurality of threads defined on a corresponding female luer connectorand place the corresponding female luer connector in position within thehigh-flow connector 1602.

As shown in FIG. 21, to establish a luer lock connection 1623 a femaleluer lock connector 1624 dimensioned according to ISO standards 594-1 or594-2 is inserted into the interior region 1606 of the high-flow luerlock connector 1602 of FIGS. 16-20 causing the lugs or plurality ofthreads 1626 on an exterior of the female luer lock connector 1624 toengage the plurality of threads 1622 of the high-flow luer lockconnector 1602. The engagement of the plurality of threads 1622, 1626draws the female luer lock connector 1624 into the interior region 1606of the high-flow luer lock connector 1602 until the exterior of thefemale luer lock connector 1624 engages the lumen rim 1612.

Typically, the female luer lock connector 1624 comprises an open end1628 through which a substance may flow into or out of the female luerlock connector 1624. When the female luer lock connector 1624 engagesthe lumen rim 1612 defined by the connector body 1604, the lumen rim1612 seals against the female luer connector 1624 by surrounding and/orabutting the open end 1628, thereby creating a substantially airtightseal between the open end 1628 of the female luer lock connector 1624and the first end 1616 of the extended passageway 1014 and placing theopen end 1028 of the female luer lock connector 1024 in communicationwith the extended passageway 1614.

Typically, the diameter of the open end 1628 of the female luer lockconnector 1624 and the diameter of the first end 1616 of the rigidchannel 1614 are substantially equal. Due to the consistency incross-section between the open end 1628 of the female luer lockconnector 1624 and the first end 1616 of the extended passageway 1614,the substantially airtight seal and communication between the open end1628 of the female luer connection 1624 and the extended passageway 1614of the high-flow luer connector 1602 may be accomplished withoutreducing the cross-sectional area through which the substance flowsthrough the luer lock connection 1623, thereby preventing a reduction inflow speed and a build up pressure.

FIGS. 22-26 show a fourth embodiment of a high-flow luer lock connector2202. The high-flow luer lock connector 2202 comprises a connector body2204 comprising elastomeric material that defines an interior region2206 bounded by a conic side wall 2208 and a base wall 2210. The conicside wall 2208 is created by tapering the side wall such that a radius2209 of an opening of the interior region 2206 is greater than a radius2211 of the base wall 2210.

The connector body 2204 further defines a rigid or semi-rigid extendedpassageway 2214 comprising a first end 2216 and a second end 2220. Thefirst end 2216 is flush with the base wall 2210 such that the extendedpassageway 2214 does not extend into the interior region 2206.Additionally, the second end 2220 may comprise a taper, chamfer, or anyother type of shape to reduce resistance created by a substance flowinginto or out of the second end 2220.

Typically, the extended passageway 2214 is operative to allow asubstance to flow in either of two directions. In a first direction, asubstance flows into the first end 2216 of the extended passageway 2214,through the connector body 2204 via the extended passageway 2214, andout of the second end 2220 of the extended passageway 2214. In a seconddirection, a substance flows into the second end 2220 of the extendedpassageway 2214, through the connector body 2204 via the extendedpassageway 2214, and out of the first end 2216 of the extendedpassageway 2214. These directions will generally correspond tointroducing insufflation gas into an abdominal cavity of a patient orventing insufflation gas from the abdominal cavity of the patient.

In one embodiment, the connector body 2204 additionally defines aplurality of threads 2222 on the conic side wall 2208 operative toreceive lugs or a plurality of threads defined on a corresponding femaleluer connector and place the corresponding female luer connector inposition within the high-flow connector 2202. However in otherembodiments, the high-flow connector 2202 may utilize internal ribsdefined on the conic side wall 2208 to conform around the female luer tosecure the high-flow luer connector 2202 and corresponding female luerconnector.

As shown in FIG. 27, to establish a luer lock connection 2223 a femaleluer lock connector 2224 dimensioned according to ISO standards 594-1 or594-2, is inserted into the interior region 2206 of the high-flow luerlock connector 2202 of FIGS. 22-26 causing lugs or a plurality ofthreads 2226 on an exterior of the female luer lock connector 2224 toengage the plurality of threads or internal ribs 2222 of the high-flowluer lock connector 2202. The engagement of the plurality of threads orinternal ribs 2222, 2226 draws the female luer lock connector 2224 intothe interior region 2206 of the high-flow connector 2224 until theexterior of the female luer lock connector 2224 engages the layer ofelastomeric material 2212 of the base wall 2210.

Typically, the female luer lock connector 2224 comprises an open end2228 through which a substance may flow into or out of the female luerlock connector 2224. When the female luer lock connector 2224 engagesthe layer of elastomeric material 2212 of the base wall 2210, the layerof elastomeric material 2212 seals against the female luer connector2224 by surrounding and/or abutting the open end 2228, thereby creatinga substantially airtight seal between the open end 2228 of the femaleluer connector 2224 and first end 2216 of the extended passageway 2214and placing the open end 2228 of the female luer lock connector 2224 incommunication with the extended passageway 2214.

Typically, the diameter of the open end 2228 of the female luer lockconnector 2224 and the diameter of the first end 2216 of the extendedpassageway 2214 are substantially equal. Due to the consistency incross-section between the open end 2228 of the female luer lockconnector 2224 and the first end 2216 of the extended passageway 2214,the substantially airtight seal and communication between the open end2228 of the female luer connection 2224 and the extended passageway 2214of the high-flow luer connector 2202 may be accomplished withoutreducing the cross-sectional area through which the substance flowsthrough the luer lock connection 2223, thereby preventing a reduction inflow speed and a build up pressure.

It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description beregarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understoodthat it is the following claims, including all equivalents, that areintended to define the spirit and scope of this invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A luer lock connector system for use withinan insufflation system, the luer lock connector system comprising: amale luer lock connector comprising: a male luer lock connector body; aninterior region defined by the connector body, the interior regionbounded by a cylindrical side wall and a base wall, the interior regionconfigured to receive a female luer lock connector; a plurality ofthreads defined on the cylindrical side wall of the interior region; anextended passageway defined by the connector body, the extendedpassageway comprising a first end and a second end, the extendedpassageway extending through the connector body at the base wall suchthat the first end of the extended passageway is flush with the basewall, the extended passageway in communication with the interior regionto allow insufflation gas to flow through the interior region andextended passageway; and an o-ring positioned in the interior region atthe base wall, the o-ring surrounding at least the first end of theextended passageway; a female luer lock connector configured to matewith the male luer lock connector, the female luer lock connectorcomprising: an opening through which a substance may flow into or out ofthe female luer lock connector; an extended passageway in communicationwith the opening of the female luer lock connector, the extendedpassageway configured to allow the substance to flow through the femaleluer lock connector; and a plurality of threads or lugs defined on anexterior of the female luer lock connector that correspond with theplurality of threads defined on the male luer lock connector; whereinwhen the male luer lock connector mates with the female luer lockconnector, the plurality of threads is configured to receive thecorresponding plurality of threads or lugs defined on the female luerlock connector and securely position an exterior of the female luer lockconnector against the o-ring; wherein when the male luer lock connectormates with the female luer lock connector, the o-ring is configured toseal against at least the opening of the female luer connector and placethe opening of the female luer connector in communication with the firstend of the extended passageway without a portion of the male luer lockconnector being positioned within the opening of the female luer lockconnector such that a diameter of the opening of the female luer lockconnector, a diameter of the first end of the extended passageway, and adiameter of an interior of the o-ring are substantially equal such thatinsufflation gas may flow at at least 26 liters per minute through thefemale luer connector, the o-ring, and the male luer lock connectorwithout a substantial reduction in flow rate; and wherein the extendedpassageway of the male luer lock connector and the extended passagewayof the female luer lock connector are tapered.
 2. The luer lockconnector system of claim 1, wherein the o-ring is operative to surroundat least the opening of the female luer lock connector.
 3. The luer lockconnector system of claim 1, wherein the o-ring is operative to abut atleast the opening of the female luer lock connector.
 4. The luer lockconnector system of claim 1, wherein the o-ring comprises rubber.
 5. Theluer lock connector system of claim 1, wherein the o-ring comprisessilicone.
 6. The luer lock connector system of claim 1, wherein theo-ring comprises polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”).
 7. The luer lock connectorsystem of claim 1, further comprising: insufflation tubing configured tobe coupled with the male luer lock connector; and insufflation tubingconfigured to be coupled with the female luer lock connector.